Worker dies in abattoir accident

A WORKER was killed in an accident at an abattoir yesterday.

David Barker, 48, from Selkirk, died when a metal partition fell on him, the firm said.

Emergency services were called to the Scottish Borders Abattoir in Galashiels at 11am after the alarm was raised by workers.

George Miller, a director of the firm, from Jedburgh, said: "He was working for us as a handyman. He was working by himself clearing out a box room.

"A heavy metal partition fell on him. He was discovered when someone went to look for him."

He said Mr Barker had worked for the firm for some time, originally as a driver. "We are very sorry and upset this has happened. It was just a tragic accident."

Louise Stephen, 44, is the manageress at The Arms Inn in Selkirk. Asked about the reaction in Selkirk to his death, she said: "Everybody I've spoken to is in total shock because quite a few people knew him. I knew him when we worked in security together three years ago.

"He was a great guy, he had a great sense of humour, an honest man, he was very fair. A great guy to work for. People here are devastated."

A Health and Safety Executive spokeswoman said: "HSE is aware of the incident and making inquiries."